DNR weighs elk herd in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and its partner groups are considering changes to Wisconsin's current elk management plan.

It could include increasing the size of the current elk range in northern Wisconsin and moving forward with plans to establish a new elk herd in the 68,000-acre Black River State Forest area.

Wild elk were first introduced in Ashland County in 1995 as part of a University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point study. Back then, plans were made, but never carried out to also place elk in the forest near Black River Falls.

The elk herd has grown from 25 initially introduced near Clam Lake to about 150. The main herd remains near Clam Lake with a smaller herd near Burnett.

The last of six public input sessions on the future of the elk herd in Wisconsin is Monday night at Wildwood Lodge in Pewaukee.